California Chrome cleared to wear nasal strip

By RICK FREEMAN
AP Sports Writer

NEW YORK (AP) -- California Chrome can breathe easy - he may wear a nasal strip when he goes for the Triple Crown in the Belmont Stakes.

Belmont Park stewards cleared the horse Monday to use the strip he wore while winning the Kentucky Derby and Preakness.

New York tracks have a rule prohibiting any equipment not specifically approved by stewards, and nasal strips were not on the list.

A statement from the New York Racing Association and the state's Gaming Commission says three stewards unanimously gave approval.

The strip worn by California Chrome during his six-race winning streak is thought to improve airflow through his nostrils. That will come in handy during the Belmont's grueling 1 1/2 miles on June 7.

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